Bukhara: The Jewel of Uzbekistan's Silk Road

• HelloСалом
  [Salom]
• GoodbyeХайр
  [Khayr]
• YesҲа
  [Ha]
• NoЙўқ
  [Yo'q]
• Please/You're welcomeМарҳабба
  [Marhabba]
• Thank youРаҳмат
  [Rahmat]
• Excuse me/SorryКечиринг
  [Kechiring]
• How are you?Қалайсиз?
  [Qalaysiz?]
• Fine. And you?Жуда яхши. Сизни?
  [Juda yaxshi. Sizni?]
• Do you speak English?Сиз инглиз тилидами?
  [Siz ingliz tilidami?]
• I don't understandМени тушунмади
  [Meni tushunmadi]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюни кўрмоқчиман, илтимос
  [Menyuni kormoqchiman, iltimos]
• I don't eat meatМен гўсх тўғримадим
  [Men g'asx to'g'rimadim]
• Cheers!Сайёҳатларингизга!
  [Sayohatlaringizga!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТўловни амалга ошираман, илтимос
  [Tolovni amalga oshiraman, iltimos]

• Help!Ёрдам!
  [Yordam!]
• Go away!Ёпинг!
  [Yoping!]
• Call the Police!Полицияни чақиринг!
  [Policiyani chaqiring!]
• Call a doctor!Докторни чақиринг!
  [Doktorni chaqiring!]
• I'm lostМен қайсизман
  [Men qaysizman]
• I'm illМен касалман
  [Men kasalman]

• I'd like to buy...Мен ...сотиб олишни истайман
  [Men ...sotib olishni istayman]
• I'm just lookingМен фақат кўрмоқчиман
  [Men faqat kormoqchiman]
• How much is it?Бу қачонга тура эмас?
  [Bu qachonga tura emas?]
• That's too expensiveБу жиддий нарх
  [Bu jiddiy narx]
• Can you lower the price?Сиз нархни тўғришингиз мумкинми?
  [Siz narxni to'grishingiz mumkinmi?]

• What time is it?Қачон?
  [Qachon?]
• It's one o'clockБир соат
  [Bir soat]
• Half past (10)Оннинг ўртаси
  [Onning o'rtasi]
• MorningЭрталаб
  [Ertalab]
• AfternoonКун ортаси
  [Kun ortasi]
• EveningКечаси
  [Kechasi]
• YesterdayКеча
  [Kecha]
• TodayБугун
  [Bugun]
• TomorrowЭртага
  [Ertaga]
• 1Бир
  [Bir]
• 2Икки
  [Ikki]
• 3Уч
  [Uch]
• 4Тўрт
  [To'rt]
• 5Беш
  [Besh]
• 6Олти
  [Olti]
• 7Етти
  [Etting]
• 8Саккиз
  [Sakkiz]
• 9Тўққиз
  [To'qqiz]
• 10Он
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?...қа қандайда?
  [...qa qandayda?]
• What's the address?Манзилингиз қандай?
  [Manzilingiz qanday?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Менга кўрсатсангиз (харитада)?
  [Menga korsatsangiz (xaritada)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Кейинги (автобус) қачон?
  [Keyingi (avtobus) qachon?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (....га)
  [Bilet (....ga)]

Bukhara is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, with origins dating back over 2,000 years. According to legend, it was founded by the Persian prince Siyavush. Archaeological evidence suggests that the city has been continuously inhabited since at least the 5th century BCE, making it a crucial center of trade and culture in the region.

The Samanid Dynasty, which ruled from 819 to 999 CE, marked a golden age for Bukhara. The city became a major center for Islamic culture and learning, often referred to as the 'Pillar of Islam.' The Samanid Mausoleum, one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in Bukhara, dates back to this period and is considered a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture.

In the early 13th century, Bukhara faced one of its darkest periods with the Mongol invasion led by Genghis Khan. In 1220, the city was sacked, and much of its population was killed or enslaved. Despite this devastation, Bukhara eventually recovered and continued to be a significant cultural and economic hub.

Under the rule of the Timurid Empire in the 14th and 15th centuries, Bukhara experienced a cultural renaissance. The city became a center for arts, science, and literature. It was during this period that the famous Ulugh Beg Madrasa was built, which attracted scholars and students from all over the Islamic world.

For centuries, Bukhara was a key stop on the Silk Road, the ancient trade route connecting the East and West. The city's bustling bazaars were filled with merchants trading silk, spices, and other goods. The architectural legacy of this era can be seen in the numerous caravanserais and trading domes that still stand today.

From the 16th century until the 20th century, Bukhara was the capital of the Bukharan Emirate. This period saw the construction of many of the city's iconic buildings, including the Ark Fortress, Bolo Haouz Mosque, and the Kalyan Minaret. The emirate was known for its relative independence and its role as a cultural and religious center in the region.

In 1868, Bukhara was conquered by the Russian Empire, becoming a protectorate. This marked the beginning of significant changes in the city's political and social structure. During the Soviet era, Bukhara underwent further transformations, including industrialization and modernization projects. Many of the city's historical buildings were preserved as part of Soviet efforts to promote cultural heritage.

Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Bukhara has become a symbol of Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage. The city has been extensively restored and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It continues to attract tourists and scholars alike, who come to explore its ancient monuments, vibrant markets, and rich history.

Bukhara is accessible via several modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Bukhara International Airport (BHK), which has direct flights from Tashkent and several other international destinations. From Tashkent, you can also take a high-speed train (Afrosiyob) that connects to Bukhara in approximately 4 hours. Alternatively, long-distance buses and shared taxis are available for travel within Uzbekistan.

Bukhara’s old town is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets. For longer distances, taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Ensure you agree on a fare before the journey or insist on using the meter. Public buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) also operate throughout the city. For a unique experience, consider taking a ride on a traditional horse-drawn cart.

The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels and upscale restaurants, cash is the preferred method of payment, especially in local markets and small shops. ATMs are available throughout Bukhara, but it is advisable to carry sufficient cash, particularly when visiting remote areas. Currency exchange services can be found at banks and exchange offices.

Bukhara is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Bukhara does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 103 for medical emergencies and 102 for police assistance. Bukhara has several medical facilities and pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide necessary medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering mosques and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bukhara like a local, visit the local bazaars such as the Toki Zargaron and Toki Sarrafon, where you can buy traditional crafts and spices. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and eager to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Ark Fortress and the Bolo Haouz Mosque, which offer a glimpse into Bukhara’s rich heritage. For a unique experience, attend a traditional music performance or a puppet show at the local theaters.